NHAI commissions DPR to improve traffic on NH66 in Mangaluru, focusing on service roads and flyovers
NHAI to Improve Traffic on National Highway 66
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has chosen an agency to create a detailed project report (DPR). This report will suggest ways to improve vehicular movement on the Talapady-Kundapur stretch of the Kanniyakumari-Panvel National Highway 66. This area is located in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The stretch of NH66 from Talapady to Kundapur is about 105 kilometers long. It includes a 17-kilometer section between Nantoor and NITK-Surathkal, which is part of the Port Connectivity Highway project. NHAI Mangaluru Project Director Abdulla Javed Azmi stated that issues related to this stretch will be handled separately under the B.C. Road-Surathkal highway improvement proposal.
The NHAI’s proposed work includes building service roads along the stretch where they do not exist. It also plans to construct flyovers at key junctions. Land acquisition for these service roads is not a problem, as the Highway Authority already owns the necessary lands.
Mr. Azmi informed The Hindu that of the 90-kilometer Talapady-Nantoor and Surathkal-Kundapura NH66 stretch, service roads exist for about 25 kilometers. Construction is ongoing for another 13 kilometers. The Authority still needs to build service roads for the remaining 52 kilometers.
He mentioned that service roads may not be available on major bridges. However, having service roads would allow the NHAI and police to divert two-wheelers, improving rider safety. Over 90% of highway accident victims are riders.
After receiving feedback from various stakeholders, including the public and enforcement agencies, the Authority plans to build at least four flyovers at important junctions.
One flyover is planned at Mulki to separate highway traffic from Padubidri, Brahmavara, and Kota. The DPR consultant will decide the exact location for the Brahmavara flyover, either between Mahesh Hospital Junction and the bus stand or between the bus stand and Akashavani (Barkur Road) Junction.
NHAI is also considering extending the existing Thokkottu flyover near Mangaluru to Kallapu Junction, Mr. Azmi added.
The DPR consultant is expected to take about four months to prepare the report. After that, NHAI will move forward with the proposal.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Authority | NHAI |
| Highway | Kanniyakumari-Panvel National Highway 66 |
| Stretch Length | 105 kilometers |
| Service Roads Existing | 25 kilometers |
| Service Roads Under Construction | 13 kilometers |
| Service Roads Needed | 52 kilometers |
| Flyovers Planned | At least 4 |
| Report Preparation Time | About 4 months |
